AUT Summer Rugby Program

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Rugby lovers and collegiate players can take advantage of studying abroad – while still keeping their university coaches happy – as part of a unique program combining continued training with college credit and the chance to live in New Zealand. Created by the Auckland Rugby Union, the high performance program is renowned for providing rugby players with comprehensive strength assessments, personalized conditioning and nutrition programs, and medical care. Open to both current rugby players and those interested in the sport, coaches lead physical training with a focus on technical skill on the field while students also study more about the history, society and culture of New Zealand in the the country’s rugby center.

Overview

Enjoy studying abroad during the summer and, for rugby student athletes, still maintaining a guided training program to meet your athletic requirements back at your home university

Spend 4 weeks in Auckland learning about Sport, History, Society and Culture in New Zealand, as well as participating in one the best rugby training programs in the world - the Auckland Rugby Academy

Live in Auckland, arguably the world home of rugby and home to the All Blacks, where locals live and breathe the sport

Participate in an intensive training program tailored to your needs and be placed with a local rugby club at the appropriate level for the duration of your stay

Gain full access to the Auckland Rugby Union High Performance Centre at Eden Park; gymnasium, Players Common Area (complete with kitchen), internet and more

Live with local rugby enthusiasts in a homestay, where the families help you adhere to the nutrition program as established by the Auckland Rugby Academy

Rugby Program

Auckland Rugby Academy

The Auckland Rugby Academy was developed by the Auckland Rugby Union and is the most sophisticated and successful high performance rugby program in New Zealand. With the ARA aspiring rugby players can secure the same training and coaching development as Auckland’s elite players. With specialist coaching and education in the areas of technical, tactical, nutrition and strength and conditioning the core programme is delivered by the ARA for players, coaches and teams in both formats of the game (15-a-side and 7s).

The Auckland Rugby Academy is headquartered at Eden Park, the iconic home of New Zealand rugby. The stadium is New Zealand’s biggest sporting venue and over the years has played host to great sporting occasions including two Rugby World Cup Finals (’87, ’11). A fortress for All Black rugby, it is now 21 years since the ‘men in black’ lost a match here. The Auckland Rugby Academy features a fully equipped gym, lecture and study facilities, office space and kitchen.

Training Program

This four-week program includes five days of training per week, plus a rugby game each Saturday. Sunday is set aside for rest and recovery.

Upon arrival students will have formal fitness testing (body composition, yoyo, speed, FMS, skin fold and medical screening). The results from this test will determine your tailored program including technical and tactical skill work (with elite coaches including one on one time), strength and conditioning, nutrition and medical support. You will also have the opportunity to train alongside elite Auckland Rugby athletes.

Academics

About AUT University

New Zealand’s newest university, established in 2000, but with an institutional history of providing industry-relevant education for more than 110 years.

Today the university has about 24,000 students across two campus, including 4,000 international students.

The main university campus is located in the city center of Auckland, in between the University of Auckland and the city’s main street, Queens Street. However students participating in the Summer Rugby program will have their academic program come to them at Eden Park, with AUT professors utilizing the Eden Park classroom space to deliver the course.

As a contemporary university, AUT focuses on providing a student-centered and innovative approach to learning.

Course

Sport, History and Society in New ZealandThis course examines the nature and place of sport in New Zealand society from a sociological perspective. Included are topical issues such as gender, race and ethnicity, violence and drugs in sport, media influences and commercialism in sport. Classes are taught every morning at Eden Park.

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate an understanding of sociological terminology in relation to sport.

Demonstrate an understanding of sociological perspectives in relation to historical and contemporary issues in sport.

Critically reflect on how hegemonic relations affect sport and society.

Present work at an appropriate academic standard.

Content:

Sport & culture

Theoretical perspectives in the study of sport

Sport historiography in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Gender issues

Ethnicity / treaty principles & sport

Deviance in sport

Politics, Government & sport

Class issues

Mass Media

Sport and education

Religion in sport

Sporting bodies and leadership

Transcript and Credit

Upon completion of the course you will be issued with an AUT University academic transcript. The course is worth 15 AUT credits which usually translates as 3 – 4 US credits. The course consists of 50 hours of class contact time over four weeks.

Program Details

Orientation

Upon arrival AUT University and the Auckland Rugby Academy will host a one-day Orientation to Auckland and the academic and rugby program.

Housing

Students are hosted by local people in a homestay within easy access to Eden Park – the base for the program. The homestay families have been selected based on their involvement and enthusiasm for rugby. All meals are included with the homestay, and homestay families work with students to ensure you adhere to the nutrition program as established by the Auckland Rugby Academy.

TEAN staff

The TEAN Resident Director in Auckland is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social or cultural questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.

Eligibility

Eligibility

Students must be rugby players (e.g., varsity athletes or club sport athletes) or be rugby enthusiasts

2.5 GPA. Students with a GPA below 2.5 are encouraged contact TEAN and may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.

Minimum sophomore standing at a four-year institution at the time of participation.

Students at 2-year institutions need to be in their second year, and provide SAT or ACT scores with an overall SAT score of 1500 out of 2400 or an ACT score of 24.

Dates, Fees & Inclusions

APPLICATION DEADLINE

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from January for Summer applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Summer 2019 Fees

What’s Included

Auckland Rugby Academy program including fitness testing, individual training program and club placement at the appropriate level

All accommodation and meals

Airport transfers

Public transport card to travel within Auckland city

AUT Orientation upon arrival

AUT student card allowing access to library facilities

Training uniforms/Auckland Rugby Union apparel

Staff and resources available 24/7 to provide assistance and recommendations during emergencies

Pre-departure planning sessions and assistance from U.S.-based TEAN staff including pre-departure guidance for students

What’s Not Included

Airfare (Budget approx $1,800)

Scholarships

TEAN Scholarships

Receive money to study abroad starting at $1,000 by applying to TEAN scholarships. Each year we award thousands of dollars in need- and merit-based scholarships, diversity scholarships, a full ride scholarship and more. Visit our scholarships page for details!